Basque Cheesburgers on Sheepherder’s Bread

Pairs well with:

Zinfandel

Bright and full-bodied, this Zinfandel wine is a curious contradiction in tastes.

Ingredients

2 large yellow onions (2 chopped and 2 sliced)
3 red bell peppers, thinly sliced.
2 Tbsp honey olive oil
1 cup mayonnaise
2tsp. minced garlic
2-1/2 lbs. ground chuck
8 tsp. chili powder, divided
2 tsp. oregano
3 tsp. ground cumin
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
9 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, divided
1/2 cup canned enchilada sauce
6 slices of pepper jack cheese
2 bunches arugula, washed and dried well
12 slices Basque sheepherder's bread–I bake my own but you can find the bread in most large grocery stores. (or 6 french rolls can be substituted) salt and pepper

 

Instructions

Pour 1/4 cup olive oil into a cast iron fry pan. Add the 2 sliced onions,sliced red peppers, honey and 2 Tbsp. vinegar. Place pan on grill over moderate heat. Saute for 20 to 30 minutes until well cooked. Set aside. Combine ground beef, 2 chopped onions, 6 tsp. chili powder, oregano, ground cumin, cinnamon, 1-1/2 tsp salt, 7 Tbsp. vinegar and the enchilada sauce. When thoroughly mixed form into six burgers. Shape to fit bread or rolls and about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. After grill comes to heat, cook on "medium-off-medium" setting for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. After you turn the burgers, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each to melt for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Mix 1 cup of mayonnaise with the minced garlic and the remaining 2 tsp. chili powder until combined. To assemble burger lightly grill sliced bread (or rolls). Spread both sides (of bread or rolls) with garlic mayonnaise. Place cheese topped burger on one slice of bread, top with pepper relish and arugula. Top with other slice of bread or roll. Cut burger in half and serve.